TOMATO

Solanum lycopersicum L. (Solanaceae); previously called Lycopersicon esculentum Miller.

Given its scientific name by Carolus Linnaeus in 1753, who used the name 'lycopersicum' (wolf-peach), first used for the tomato by Joseph Pitton de Tournefort in the early part of the 16th century.

Probably native to the dry coasts of Peru, but not known in the wild state. The Spanish brought tomatoes to Europe.

Life form: herbaceous perennial, grown as an annual in the temperate zone.

Parts used: edible fruit.

Ploidy level: diploid.